Delmore Park and Gardens were abuzz with excitement when the Back to School Youth Day Tournament brought the community together in a celebration of sports, unity and support on July 6.
The event, organised by community advocate Terry-Ann Diergaardt and supported by the Delmore Restoration Centre, was a testament to the power of community spirit.
Despite last-minute challenges, including the withdrawal of sponsors, the tournament was a resounding success.
Local heroes stepped in to save the day. Charona Louw, the Gauteng provincial head of women for the Patriotic Alliance, ensured the kids ate hotdogs, and Broadway Sweets provided over 300 packets of chips to keep everyone energised.
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Diergaardt, reflecting on the journey, said, “I started these tournaments to keep the children off the streets during the school holidays. This experience has shown me the incredible generosity and support in our community. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and today proved that.”
The sports events were the highlight of the day. The Delmore girls took home gold medals for netball, and the Black Ball team won the junior soccer tournament.
Delmore United continued its winning streak by securing the trophy and medals again after their initial victory on June 22.
Beyond sports, some of the youth discovered a passion for photography. They were allowed to capture the day’s events from their perspective, showcasing their creativity and talent.
This initiative highlighted the importance of providing diverse activities for children with different interests.
“We hope to host events for various activities to accommodate those not interested in sports. We have children interested in dance classes, writing, book clubs and science experiments.
“Our goal is to establish small clubs in our area to guide our children in the right direction,” Diergaardt said.
Dog lovers in the community also had reason to celebrate. The Boksburg SPCA’s outreach programme was a hit, providing much-needed pet services.
Fifteen dogs were booked for sterilisation, and the children had the chance to learn from animal experts, all at no cost. Due to the success of this initiative, the Boksburg SPCA has committed to returning in August to help more pets in the community.
Diergaardt emphasised the ongoing need for community involvement. “We would appreciate any organisations willing to help by donating their time and resources. We don’t want this tournament to be a one-off event but the launch of more initiatives that inspire our children to dream and provide them with the resources to believe those dreams are possible.”
If you can help, call Diergaardt on 068 216 2700.
“We welcome any programmes that will keep our kids off the streets and away from drugs. The Back to School Youth Day Tournament has set a new standard for future events, showcasing the remarkable impact of community collaboration. With ongoing support, Delmore’s youth will continue thriving and reaching for their dreams,” said Diergaardt.
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